Examples of the Competency Framework for:
(i) Deputy District Judge (Civil)
(ii) Deputy District Judge (Magistrates)
(iii) Deputy Queen's Bench Master
ANNEX A(i) DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGE: COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
DELIVERING SOUND JUDGEMENTS
Managing Workload
Works effectively and efficiently, preparing and planning to make the best use of time1. Makes realistic time estimates to enable effective planning
2. Maintains pace to work within time limits
3. Prepares for cases in advance e.g. reads files, checks list
4. Works quickly with significant amounts of information
5. Is flexible; juggles workload and copes with the quantity and variety of work
Investigating and Analysing
Logically analyses arguments and explores the information available (verbal/written)6. Clearly documents and records information e.g. orders, file notes
1. Accurately analyses and assimilates information and arguments
2. Focuses on salient pieces of information e.g. facts, points of contention
3. Identifies the real issues; is not lost in detail
4. Recalls and refers back to important facts
Resolving and Deciding
Applies judgement to reach solutions and make incisive, fair and legally sound decisions5. Ensures information is complete; follows up inaccuracies and contradictions
1. Takes an objective and impartial view
2. Is confident to take a decision when the solution is unclear or may be unpopular
3. Makes informed decisions as quickly as possible; keeps reserved judgments to a minimum
4. Recognises the impact of the case and actions taken on those involved e.g. children, parents
5. Identifies when a decision should be adjourned for further consideration
6. Takes a pragmatic approach (within the legal framework)
RELATING TO PEOPLE FROM A DIVERSE SOCIETY
Building Relationships
Values diversity, showing empathy and sensitivity to build positive relationships with litigants, witnesses, advocates, staff and colleagues1. Openly treats people with respect and in a fair and equal manner
2. Listens attentively and shows interest
3. Gives others an opportunity to air their views, comments and concerns
4. Shows an appreciation of other cultures and the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds
5. Understands people's situations and aspects of everyday life e.g. general household expenditure, public transport
6. Is aware of people's concerns and anxieties; recognises other's perspectives and priorities
Communicating
Takes steps to ensure people understand the court's processes, orders and decisions7. Works co-operatively and constructively in partnership with colleagues and staff
1. Clearly explains an order or decision, the reasons for it, and implications of actions taken
2. Ensures others understand their options and/or the future progress of the case
3. Summarises and confirms information to ensure own and others' understanding
4. Keeps others (colleagues, staff, litigants, etc.) informed, sharing knowledge and information as appropriate
5. Varies style of communication to converse clearly with a variety of people from all backgrounds and cultures
WORKING PROFESSIONALLY
Showing Authority
Keeps effective control, showing self-assurance when influencing others and handling difficult situations1. Identifies and manages hostility by exerting control at appropriate times
2. Steers a line between informality and maintaining control
3. Takes charge without intimidating others
4. Is firm when challenged, and asserts authority when necessary
5. Maintains patience to remain courteous and professional
Managing Self
Shows commitment by applying themselves to provide a professional public service6. Directs parties to concentrate on relevant points and take a logical path through the facts and key issues
1. Is conscientious; invests effort to maintain high standards and quality of output
2. Remains detached; manages own reactions and emotions to ensure consistent application of the law
3. Operates effectively in a situation which demands autonomy and self-sufficiency
Developing Knowledge
Is open to developing an awareness of social issues, enhancing their legal knowledge and understanding of the court service4. Actively maintains judicial independence and is not influenced by external forces
1. Seeks to be up-to-date in relevant legal areas
2. Learns about other cultures and diversity issues
3. Recognises how business pressures on the court service can affect court administration and judge's work
4. Asks for others' help and advice when necessary
5. Broadens and extends knowledge e.g. learns new areas of law, clarifies uncertainty
6. Uses past experiences to learn and improve
ANNEX A(ii) DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGE (MAGISTRATES COURTS): COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
DELIVERING SOUND JUDGEMENTS
Managing Workload
Works effectively and efficiently to make the best use of time1. Sets realistic timescales e.g. to enable the Probation Service and Crown Probation Service to prepare reports
2. Maintains pace to work within time limits
3. Prepares for complex cases in advance e.g. reads skeleton arguments
4. Works quickly with significant amounts of information
5. Is flexible; copes with the quantity and variety of work
Investigating and Analysing Logically analyses arguments and explores the information available (verbal/written)
1. Accurately analyses and assimilates information and arguments
2. Focuses on salient pieces of information e.g. facts, points of contention
3. Identifies the real issues; is not lost in detail
4. Recalls and refers back to important facts
5. Is alert to inaccuracies and contradictions when analysing evidence
6. Asks appropriate questions to establish the facts, sequences of events, history, etc.
Resolving and Deciding
Applies judgement to move cases forward and make incisive, fair and legally sound decisions1. Takes an objective and impartial view
2. Is confident to take a decision when the solution is unclear or may be unpopular
3. Makes informed decisions as quickly as possible; keeps reserved judgments to essential cases only
4. Recognises the impact of the case and actions taken on those involved, e.g. victims, children
5. Identifies when a case should be adjourned, e.g. for further consideration, to allow witnesses to attend
6. Takes a pragmatic approach (within legal framework) e.g. to setting bail or fines, terminating a case
RELATING TO PEOPLE FROM A DIVERSE SOCIETY
Building Relationships
Values diversity, showing empathy and sensitivity to litigants and witnesses and building positive relationships with advocates, staff and colleagues1. Openly treats people with respect and in a fair and equal manner
2. Listens attentively and shows interest
3. Ensures people are given a fair opportunity (by self and others) to air their views e.g. defendants, witnesses
4. Shows an appreciation of other cultures and the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds
5. Understands people's situations and aspects of everyday life e.g. general household costs, weekly income
6. Is aware of people's concerns and anxieties; recognises others' perspectives and priorities
7. Works co-operatively and constructively in partnership with colleagues and staff
Communicating
Takes steps to ensure people understand the court's processes, orders and decisions
1. Clearly explains an order or decision and the reasons for it
2. Ensures others understand their options, the progress of the case and/or the outcome of the hearing
3. Summarises and confirms information to ensure own and others' understanding
4. Keeps others (colleagues, staff, defendants, etc.) informed, sharing knowledge and information as appropriate
5. Varies style of communication to converse clearly with a variety of people from all backgrounds and cultures
WORKING PROFESSIONALLY
Showing Authority
Has the ability to keep effective control, showing self-assurance when influencing others and handling difficult situations1. Identifies and manages hostility by exerting control at appropriate times
2. Steers a line between maintaining control and reducing the level of formality
3. Takes charge without intimidating others
4. Is firm and asserts authority when necessary
5. Maintains patience to remain courteous and professional
6. Directs parties to concentrate on relevant points and take a logical path through the facts and key issues
Managing Self
Shows commitment by applying themselves to provide a professional public service1 Is conscientious; invests effort to maintain high standards and quality of output
2. Remains detached; manages own reactions and emotions to work towards consistent application of the law
3. Operates effectively in a situation which demands autonomy and self-sufficiency, e.g. avoids over-reliance on clerk
4. Actively maintains judicial independence and is not influenced by external forces
5. Is measured in approach; considers and recognises the reactions of the public and/or press
Developing Knowledge
Is open to developing an awareness of social issues, enhancing their legal knowledge and understanding of the court service1. Seeks to be up-to-date in relevant legal issues
2. Learns about other cultures and diversity issues
3. Recognises how court administration must work in order to be effective
4. Asks for others' help and advice when necessary
5. Broadens and extends knowledge e.g. learns new areas of law, clarifies uncertainty
6. Uses past experiences to learn and improve
ANNEX A(iii) DEPUTY MASTER (QUEENS BENCH): COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
DELIVERING SOUND JUDGEMENTS
Managing Workload
Works effectively and efficiently, preparing and planning to make the best use of time1. Maintains pace to work within time limits
2. Keeps cases moving forward, ensures progress is made
3. Prepares for cases in advance when necessary e.g. reads case papers, skeleton arguments
4. Works quickly with significant amounts of information
5. Is flexible; copes with the quantity and variety of work
6. Clearly records information e.g. orders
Investigating and Analysing
Logically analyses and tests arguments and explores the information available (verbal/written)1. Accurately analyses and assimilates information and arguments
2. Focuses on salient pieces of information e.g. issues of fact and law
3. Scrutinises and questions arguments and information
4. Identifies the real issues; is not lost in detail
5. Recalls and refers back to important facts
6. Ensures information is complete; follows up inaccuracies and contradictions
Resolving and Deciding
Applies judgement to reach solutions and make incisive, fair and legally sound decisions1. Takes an objective and impartial view
2. Is confident to take a decision when the solution is unclear or may be unpopular
3. Makes informed decisions as quickly as possible
4. Takes a pragmatic approach (within the legal framework)
RELATING TO PEOPLE FROM A DIVERSE SOCIETY
Building Relationships
Values diversity, showing empathy and sensitivity to build positive relationships with litigants, witnesses, advocates, staff and colleagues1. Openly treats people with respect and in a fair and equal manner
2. Listens attentively and shows interest
3. Gives others an opportunity to air their views, comments and concerns
4. Shows an appreciation of other cultures and the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds
5. Is aware of people's concerns and anxieties; recognises other's perspectives and priorities
6. Works co-operatively and constructively in partnership with colleagues and staff
Communicating
Takes steps to ensure people understand the court's processes, orders and decisions1. Clearly explains an order or decision, the reasons for it, and implications of actions taken
2. Ensures others understand their options and/or the future progress of the case
3. Summarises and confirms information to ensure own and others' understanding
4. Keeps others (colleagues, staff, litigants, etc.) informed, sharing knowledge and information as appropriate
5. Varies style of communication to converse clearly with a variety of people from all backgrounds and cultures
WORKING PROFESSIONALLY
Showing Authority
Keeps effective control, showing self-assurance when influencing others and handling difficult situations1. Identifies and manages hostility by exerting control at appropriate times
2. Steers a line between informality and maintaining control
3. Takes charge without intimidating others
4. Is firm when challenged, and asserts authority when necessary
5. Maintains patience to remain courteous and professional
6. Directs parties to concentrate on relevant points and take a logical path through the facts and key issues
Managing Self
Shows commitment by applying themselves to provide a professional public service1. Is conscientious; invests effort to maintain high standards and quality of output
2. Remains detached; manages own reactions and emotions to ensure consistent application of the law
3. Operates effectively in a situation which demands autonomy and self-sufficiency
4. Actively maintains judicial independence and is not influenced by external forces
Developing Knowledge
Is open to developing an awareness of social issues, enhancing their legal knowledge and understanding of the court service1. Seeks to be up-to-date in relevant legal areas
2. Learns about other cultures and diversity issues
3. Recognises how business pressures on the court service can affect court administration and judge's work
4. Asks for others' help and advice when necessary
5. Broadens and extends knowledge e.g. learns new areas of law, changes to law, clarifies uncertainty
6. Uses past experiences to learn and improve